Posted: Mon, 21 Jun 2010 08:24 PM - 9,688 Readers

By: Jarrod Wise

Residents in Jonestown  have mixed emotions about a new sound ordinance going into effect in the popular party destination, Devil's Cove on Lake Travis . The new ban is similar to the one passed through Austin City Council on Lake Austin late last year.

Bill Nichols with the City of Jonestown said, "We want people to have fun. We just want to control the level of it."

Bill Nichols owns a home in the Hollows , a community that sits along the banks of Devil's Cove.

Nichols said, "Some weekends, 3-500 boats out there. And the noise does get loud."

He's also a council member for the City of Jonestown. Last Thursday, the city passed an amendment to their old sound ordinance. Previously it was prohibited to play music louder than 84 decibels after 10 at night. Truck traffic is about 90 decibels.

Now, music should not be heard more than 100 feet from its source, and at all hours. It's the same rule put in place on Lake Austin this year.

Nichols said, "The biggest thing that brought this on was the profanity and some of the disc jockeys they had on these party boats."

It's up to the city to enforce the law. Jonestown has just one boat and two jet skis for the three officers patrolling these waters. And even with limited patrol, the city doesn't expect many problems.

Nichols said, "The goal will be to issue warnings and warning tickets. Were not out there to make a revenue source for the City of Jonestown."

Jonestown resident Heather Murphy said, "We are completely against it. We just really feel like, we moved out here for the fun. And if you don't enjoy it, why live here?"

Heather Murphy lives with her mom along the lake. Their property butts up against what is usually the busiest spot.

Murphy said, "It definitely gives this lake some character and this area a lot of character."

And she thinks if the city restricts music, they need to look at other issues as well.

Murphy said, "They should think about the speed boats and the noise they're creating. Because, some of the speed boats are a lot louder than stereos."

The new ordinance will go into effect the weekend of the fourth of July.

*  Story Contributed by: Jarrod Wise